Quick question Re: 240 Base-model trim

Hi all,

I have noticed in looking at other 240s around town that many (if not
most) of them have black plastic trim approximately 4" (10cm) wide
running along the bottom of the doors where they meet the rocker
panels. Since my 240 (1983 Turbo) doesn't have this feature and since
my 240 is rusting mainly in these areas (of course) I'm wondering if
this trim was made stock at some point or if it was a common
post-body-work element.

IPD doesn't seem to sell this trim.

Just wondering.
blurp

 

Subject: Quick question Re: 240 Base-model trim

Good question. I've wondered about that trim myself. Anyone?

 

Part of the '86 body re-work (just like they added the plastic inner
fender liners with the '78 model). Never tried to fit 'em since I have
a 2 door ('84 242Ti) and the 2 doors stopped with the '85 Turbos.

Bill

 

My '82 240DL had it, I always figured it was stock, maybe blurp's
fell off some time ago?

 

Subject: Re: Quick question Re: 240 Base-model trim

What do you mean by this? I've had this trim on every 240 I've owned -- '82,
86, '86, '82, '93.

 

Not stock on the '82s (at least not the North American models... not
sure about the Euro or Aussie ones). The plastic rocker arm/lower door
plastic covers didn't make an appearance on these shores until the 1986
"hump trunk" and separate bulb headlight trim change.

Bill

 

I think the confusion here is due to the fact that there's two trim pieces
in question, all the cars (at least back as far as I've owned) have a narrow
plastic trim piece on the rocker panel from the back of the front wheel well
to the front of the rear wheel well. In '86 they got the wide plastic trim
along the bottom edge of the doors from the front to the rear mud flap. The
mud flaps were also redesigned to be part of this same trim package rather
than the rubber ones older cars had.

 

That thought crossed my mind right before I read your post. I
probably am remembering the rocker panel strip. My doors probably
did have a little rust near the bottoms too

 

So as the bottom edge of my doors disintegrate I can't help but wonder
if this trim package could be retrofit to my vehicle as a stopgap
measure while I try to find rust-free pre-1986 doors. I have a basic
understanding of body work but the the thin edge where the outer skin
and the inner are crimped/spot-welded together seems irreparable
because of the complexity of the shape and its location.

For this reason I believe my choices are:
A) replace the doors
B) do some surface clean-up and hide the rust under black trim

If anyone has a reasonable third choice (not involving time travel or
giving up the car) I'd love to hear it. Most things my car needs work
on are fringe features but this stuff is the cancer I can no longer
pretend isn't there.

Many thanks,
blurp

 

Funny you'd be a looking for rust free doors, I have one right rear
(never had the wide or narrow trim for hiding anything) so I'm not sure
what it came off of? It's the light blue colour and resides in
Mississauga, burb of Toronto, ON
I want a dark blue door for my 1988 245 to replace this one Only because
it's the wrong colour, and not because it's badly rusted. I'll paint it
before spending time installing a (not in as good condition as the light
blue door) before I go that route if anyone has one, I'll entertain a
trade or pay fair market value. It's crank up window knob type and
central locking style only (No frills) That's what I want to replace it
with as well. Just want correct colour.
Oh I'm looking for dark blue tailgate too, must be rust free especially
around lic. plt bulb sockets and the window area as well.

Dan in Toronto Burb Mississauga
905 569-7143
I could trade a working rear wiper motor off my old rear hatch door from
the 1988 245. I have a repairable black driver's seat (cloth type from
1987 244 DL) make an offer or what can you trade me?

 

Pre-'86 doors are exactly the same as post-'86 doors other than I think
there's a few holes where the lower trim piece mounts. At any rate if you
ever find yourself in or near Seattle I know where you can get good complete
doors for US$30 each. Cars don't rust around here, they just mold.

 

If I thought for even a second that the costs to ship a door wouldn't
end up being around 3 times that price I'd give ya $30.00 or so to set
it all up for me. Nope not planning to get down your way anytime soon,
don't get me wrong just no money tree growing out yonder.

Dan

 

Well, Dan, thanks for offering. I too am in Toronto. But my car is
silver. And it's got power windows. And the right rear door is the
best of the bunch (almost no rust).

If only we could get to Seattle we could buy all the doors and IPD
parts we could carry.

So far away.

blurp

 

So is the bottom line that no one knows anything about this trim?

 

I think it was determined to be stock post-1986 and SOL prior to that
date in North America. The trim's not an aftermarket item that can be
easily had and the post-1986 doors have holes drilled into them to
affix said trim.

In other words, you can't hide the cancer.

I guess this trim would look ugly on my car (sour grapes) but the rust
doesn't look very nice either.

blurp

 

I'm suspicious that the trim accellerates rust by trapping crud against
the door skins. (And providing nice pre-made holes.) It doesn't look
so good anymore once it falls off and has to be reattached with sheet
metal screws.

 

Good point.

Stupid trim! I don't want you anyway!


blurp